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Cargo bikes are the new minivans for cycling families

Madi Carlson pedals as her sons Rijder, 4, left, and Brandt, 6, ride aboard the family cargo bike as they head to an after-school gym program in Seattle. (Elaine Thompson/Associated Press)

SEATTLE — One fisherman uses a bike to deliver hundreds of pounds of salmon to local markets. A mom who regularly shuttles her two kids around town once tried to haul a twin mattress home. And some companies are using the bikes to deliver beer kegs or pick up recycling.

Cyclists are pushing the limits of what they can haul on cargo bikes — sturdy two-wheelers built to haul lots of stuff. The so-called SUV of bicycles are increasingly popular in pedal-friendly communities, from Washington state to Massachusetts.

Families are using the bikes to do everything they did on four wheels — schlepping kids to school, hauling groceries or running errands — without the hassle of finding parking. Some do it to help the environment in a small way or get exercise, while others say it's an easier, more fun way to get around.

“(Our) bike has turned into our go everywhere minivan,” said Julian Davies, a Seattle physician who regularly hauls his two kids in a cargo bike.

Companies also are using bikes to deliver beer around Portland, Ore., collect recycling in Cambridge, Mass., or pick up dirty laundry in Philadelphia.

Cargo bikes are common in countries like Denmark and The Netherlands, but they're catching on in the U.S. Companies such Xtracycle, Yuba and Metrofiets are catering to this niche, while major bike makers like Trek are also developing their own lines.

It's still in the early adopter phase, but “it's picking up steam,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “It's a reflection of the growing utility of cycling, and the propensity to use bikes for more and more activities. It's giving people more options and flexibility.”

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Cargo bikes can refer to any bike that hauls heavy loads. Many models out now are built to handle multiple people or loads up to about 400 pounds on a single frame. They can be a foot or two longer than typical bikes, and are often outfitted with a wheelbarrow-like box or shelf, in front or back. Some cost between $1,000 and $5,000.

“If you want to park your car, this is the way to go,” said Joel Grover, co-owner of Splendid Cycles in Portland, Ore. The shop opened four years ago mostly to sell to businesses, but quickly began catering to families who wanted wheels to handle more than one kid.

“We're reaching a point where all these cities are encouraging people to go places by bike,” co-owner Barb Grover said.

Seattle dad Davies has logged about 2,000 miles on his cargo bike. A rain cover and electric assist helps him power through Seattle's rain and hilly terrain. His two young kids sit in a large front box built between the handlebars and front wheel.

It's more convenient to take the bike for errands because it's easier to park, he said. But he enjoys the social aspect of being able to chat with his kids as he rides.

Madi Carlson, 41, regularly schlepps her two young kids along with their bikes on her pink long-tail bike, which has kids seats mounted over the rear of the bike. The three usually cover about 10 miles a day, riding between school, home, playdates and errands.

The Seattle mom considers it a challenge to carry absurd loads. She once tried to haul a box spring mattress, and made it six blocks before she had to call her husband for a lift.

“That damn box spring,” she laughed. “That's one of the problems with cargo bikes. You just want to carry bigger and more exciting loads. You just want to see what you can do.”

As for safety, Carlson said she bikes slowly and defensively and sticks to dedicated bike paths where possible. “I worry a lot more about accidents in the car,” she said.

Randy Swart, director of the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, said he hasn't seen studies on cargo bike safety, but “most of them seem very stable.” He added: “From what I've seen, not from scientific evidence, they seem like a pretty reasonable solution for carrying kids.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines recommends not taking infants under a year old on bicycles. It says children should ride in a bicycle-towed child trailer, wear helmets and be strapped in. It warns of risks of serious injury when carrying a young child on a bike.

Delivering salmon by bike has been good publicity for Rick Oltman, whose company bikes can be spotted in Port Townsend, Wash., near Seattle.

“People wave. We have huge fan clubs,” said Oltman, owner of Cape Cleare Fishery. “It's not to save the world. It's mostly that we enjoy bicycling. My butt was getting flat sitting in a white van and I didn't want to do that anymore.”

Carlson's enthusiasm has caught on. Two friends have bought similar cargo bikes and have started riding.

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